Daktronics Announces Vanguard Version 4 Control Software

BROOKINGS, SD – January 1, 2010 – Daktronics, Inc. (NASDAQ – DAKT), an industry leader in developing ITS Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and software, announces the release of the fourth version of the widely-used Vanguard® Control Software. Vanguard® v4 Control Software provides traffic agencies around the world robust National Transportation Information for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) DMS control in a user-friendly package.

"The goal of developing Vanguard v4 was providing the easiest yet fully-functional DMS software in the industry," says Ken Smith, Daktronics Transportation Software Product Manager. "Our experience developing NTCIP software since the standard was introduced greatly helped us provide exactly what our ITS customers need."

Available in two different suites – Standard and Professional – Vanguard® v4 Software offers a unique licensing solution designed for traffic management agencies to obtain the precise functionality they require.

Vanguard® v4 Standard provides all the NTCIP tools a field technician using a laptop needs to quickly perform remote monitoring and onsite DMS maintenance.

Vanguard® v4 Standard features:

• Detailed NTCIP monitoring of DMS pixel and component status
• Edit DMS messages and change brightness level
• New, streamlined user interface designed for maximum ease of use in the field

Vanguard® v4 Professional provides the features of the Standard suite and adds comprehensive DMS message creation, monitoring and scheduling – designed for use in Traffic Management Centers to remotely control DMS networks.

Vanguard® v4 Professional features:

• View, group, and monitor multiple DMS in real time with detailed list or map view
• Simplify message and graphics creation and formatting with the enhanced Content Studio, including preloaded MUTCD fonts and graphics
• Arrange complex DMS network message scenarios with the Schedule Studio

"The Content Studio includes layers, easily scalable text, and image creation tools," says Smith. "It's similar to a text and graphic design program. The Display Monitor also allows traffic management staff to see current running messages together in a single window."

Vanguard® v4 Software enables control of any NTCIP-compliant DMS, including Daktronics' Vanguard® DMS, which are already used in 43 states and by traffic agencies around the world. Agencies currently trust Vanguard® Software to control and monitor everything from single DMS installations to statewide DMS networks.

For more information visit the Vanguard® v4 Control Software page.